Hollywood directors are not all single-mindedly focused on their films; encountering a meddling type of director like those on the set of "The Purge" could really annoy Ronan. This is also one reason why he hasn't made a decision after interviewing so many people.
Signing the agreement first and holding onto James Huang's project, even if he sees certain things, he will turn a blind eye.
Moreover, this project really has great potential.
Because Ronan has seen all the works in this series from "Final Destination 1" to "Final Destination 5" in his previous life.
James Huang is the director of the first film in this series, and the Glen Morgan he mentioned should be the most important screenwriter.
"Are the copyrights jointly owned by you and your friend?" Ronan further asked, "Can you represent his opinions?"
James Huang said very confidently, "Yes! Bringing this story to the big screen is the biggest wish of both me and Glen."
Ronan reminded, "Your agent's side..."
Although agents are usually smooth and rarely confrontational, if the agent strongly opposes what was discussed earlier, there might be complications.
"I will convince Edward." James Huang immediately continued, "The copyright owners are me and Glen."
Finally encountering someone willing to invest and let him direct is too rare an opportunity.
Now giving up is just for a better future.
Ronan appeared calm, even a bit embarrassed, as if promising to invest in James Huang's project would come at a great cost.
He shook hands with James Huang. "I hope we can reach a formal agreement." He deliberately shifted James Huang's attention. "The 'Purge' franchise urgently needs a director."
James Huang shook Ronan's hand firmly. "We will definitely reach an agreement."
If it weren't for seeing that Sha Hai Entertainment urgently needed a director and being very fond of himself, how could he propose such additional conditions?
Ronan wasn't too worried about the agent's issues. James Huang's determination to direct his script was too strong, to the point where he was willing to tie himself to it. If anyone tried to stop him, they would just be pushed aside by him.
Sha Hai Entertainment also didn't mind negotiating with non-agents.
Hollywood industry unions have agreements with agents' unions, where members registered with the union must negotiate work through agents.
Of course, regulations are one thing, reality is another.
According to the Entertainment Act, agents must pass certification exams to be licensed, but there is a group called managers that is rapidly emerging. They negotiate work for clients without obtaining a legal license.
He roughly understood that Edward and James Huang were signing a contract for the first time. According to the law, the valid signing period is one year. Hollywood's breach of contract penalties for terminating agents are not high, and there is no situation where agencies or agents counteract clients.
Because the law stipulates that agents can only sign contracts with clients for up to three years, and if they cannot provide sufficient work choices to clients for three consecutive months, clients have the right to terminate the contract automatically.
This is completely opposite to the Pacific coast.
Agents are always service providers, and the cost for clients to get rid of agents is relatively low.
Ronan saw James Huang off the office, accompanied by him and Edward walking out together. Before reaching the company's door, an Arab man in a suit walked in.
"Hi, Ronan." The Arab waved to Ronan.
Ronan smiled and replied, "Good morning, Saleh."
The person who came in was Saleh Zayed, a well-connected guide.
Seeing that typical Arab face, James Huang nodded slightly. With the support of Middle Eastern oil tycoons, Sha Hai Entertainment's funding would definitely not be a problem.
"Saleh, let me introduce you to a few friends."
As Saleh approached, Ronan introduced, "This is James Huang, who is basically confirmed to be the director of our 'Purge'."
Hearing "our 'Purge'", Saleh was in a good mood and quickly shook hands with James Huang.
Ronan continued, "This is Mr. Edward, director Huang's agent."
Then, he specifically introduced James Huang and Edward, "This is Prince Saleh Zayed from the United Arab Emirates."
After James Huang and Edward greeted each other, they exchanged glances. This Ronan Anderson was indeed extraordinary.
The support of a prince from an oil country meant that funding was not a problem at all.
After a few simple exchanges, James Huang and Edward soon took their leave.
Ronan took Saleh into the office.
"Is the preparation going smoothly?" Saleh asked with concern. "The director has been confirmed."
Ronan took a new cup and poured him a glass of water, saying, "It's just a verbal agreement; negotiations are still to come."
"Preparing for a movie is more complicated than I thought." Saleh sighed.
"This is just the beginning." Ronan said truthfully, "Robert is inspecting shooting locations, equipment rental, and actor auditions haven't started yet... Once the director is in place, these tasks will speed up."
Saleh nodded. "Let professionals do professional things. I have benefited a lot." He then asked, "Is Director Huang also a minority?"
"Chinese." Ronan timely misled, "I have carefully considered that for a film like this, it's not suitable to find a white director. A minority director is the best choice; he can better understand the characters' situations and film what we need."
Saleh admired and gave a thumbs up. "Ronan, you're absolutely right! There are too few people in Hollywood with your level of thinking."
Ronan smiled, speaking with a typical liberal tone, "Every ethnicity, every group, is equal."
"Yeah." Saleh nodded repeatedly. "As I said, let professionals do professional things. Unfortunately, some idiots in Abu Dhabi want to interfere with the projects funded by the Investment Bureau."
Ronan's eye twitched imperceptibly. "I can't accept non-professionals in the film industry."
Last time he went to Abu Dhabi, he learned that while the film screening industry was quite mature there, the film production industry was still in its infancy.
Saleh had been in close contact with Ronan, and immediately said, "I'll be back in Abu Dhabi next week. I'll silence those idiots."
Ronan felt relieved, realizing that his efforts with Saleh had not been in vain.
"Promotion?" he remarked. "Congratulations!"
Saleh smiled, feeling good, and sincerely said, "Actually, I came here this time to say thank you. Without your trip to Abu Dhabi, I wouldn't have been promoted so quickly."
Ronan, ever humble, replied, "Don't say that, Saleh. You helped me too."
Saleh understood deep down that people like Ronan, who are diligent in their work, are truly rare.
Ronan glanced at the time. "I'll treat you to lunch as a farewell."
"Sounds good," Saleh nodded. Their next meeting wasn't certain, so he added, "I really wish I could see 'Human Eradication Plan' sooner."
Ronan smiled back, "Once the movie is made, I'll send you a copy."
"Great!" Saleh was very pleased. "It's a deal."
He added, "Ronan, if you need my help, feel free to call or come to Abu Dhabi."
Ronan, treating Saleh like an old friend, replied, "I will."
After taking a sip of water, Saleh said, "Especially when you need film financing, don't forget about me. It'll be my achievement too."
Ronan walked over and patted Saleh's arm. "I won't forget you."
...
On Thirteenth Street where Sahara Entertainment was located, a car had just left the parking lot.
"Ronan Anderson agreed to invest in your script?" Edward accelerated the car. "Are you kidding me?"
James Huang nodded. "It's true."
Edward couldn't help but mutter, "Is this guy out of his mind?"
James Huang glanced at him, and Edward immediately shut up. This result was too unexpected.
Originally, he had secured the directorship of "Scream" for James Huang, but who would have thought this guy would come up with a bundling plan, and the duck he had in hand flew away.
After finally catching onto Ronan Anderson's line, James Huang played the bundling card again.
If it weren't for the fact that his one-year brokerage contract was about to expire and he had no other promising clients besides James Huang and Glenn Morgan, he wouldn't tolerate it.
Now, a paranoid person had met a foolish investor.
Could that project succeed? He had also read the script. The core concept was Eastern, but could Eastern-style horror sell well to American audiences?
Ronan Anderson probably couldn't find a suitable director in a hurry.
After all, he was a somewhat famous spendthrift in the industry.
Edward suddenly remembered the Arab guy. Did Ronan Anderson have support from oil money? He probably didn't take the Arab's money seriously.
With an unreliable script, a somewhat paranoid director, and a foolish investor, wouldn't that project end in disaster?
Well, there was no need to think so far ahead. The priority was to continue signing contracts for James Huang and Glenn Morgan to get a hefty commission.